Creating an ONLINE PORTFOLIO using Google sites

In today's world, applying for employment sometimes requires more than submitting a resume on paper. In many cases, employers require potential canditates to include an electronic version of their credentials. Google sites provides an excellent platform for young people to build to an online, or e-portfiolio that prospective employers may access any time, aynywhere.  

In the example below, an aspiring teacher, Jessica M. Eads, of NobleVille, Indiana, USA has used Google sites to create a dynamic, online portfolio that she may update at any time.

 

Jessica's creativity is evident in both the content she includes about herself, as well the way she has structured the site. In addition to her resume and professional qualifications, Jessica has personalized her e-portfolio to address common items that employers are looking for:

• She provides answers to questions like:
• "How would you address a wide range of skills and abilities in your classroom?"
• "What skills or attributes do you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher?"
• She includes a page about Ideas for my future classroom to give employers an idea of what she will bring to her own classroom
• Jessica describes some of her contributions outside the classroom, giving insight to employers about her unique skills and abilities
  

This platform would be ideal for:

• students taking experiential based courses like CO-OP, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), and Dual Credit Courses who need showcase their work-related experience
• students to build an electronic portfolio to include with applications to post-secondary institutions
• students and aspiring teachers to reflect upon interview-type questions in preparation for future employment

 Teachers may encourage their students to visit the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP), which is managed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) provides clear descriptions of the Essential Skills and work habits important for work, learning and life. Essential Skills are used in virtually all occupations and are transferable from school to work, job to job, and sector to sector.

For more information about e-portfolios, please visit Dr. Helen Barrett's Blog.

Dr. Helen Barrett is a retired teacher educator,

internationally known for her research on electronic portfolios in education.